Legacy of Buddhism in Kashmir

Abstract

Both  the Nilamata  Purana  and  Kalhana's  Rajatarangini  show  the  significance  of  Buddhism  in classical Kashmiri culture. According to Buddhist history, Buddhism was introduced to Kashmir by a Varanasi monk named Majjhantika, a student of Ananda. During his administration of Srinagar in  the  13th  and  14th  centuries,  Mauryan  ruler  Ashoka  introduced  Buddhism  to  Kashmir.  The Kushans,  who  ruled  across  Pakistan  and  Afghanistan  in  the  first  century,  are  supposed  to  have dominated this region. So far, there hasn't been much of a distinction in the history of Buddhism in Kashmir and  the  rest  of  the  country.  Before  the  arrival  of  the Aryans,  the  valley  was  inhabited  by Naga,  Pishacha,  and  Yakshas.  Nagas,  for  example,  are  revered  for  their  historical  and  cultural value. Both the proponent of Sankhya Darshana, Kapil, and the author of Patanjali are thought to be  local  Nagans.  Two  of  the  most  famous  Buddhist  philosophers  and  intellectuals,  Nagarjun  and Naga Budhi, are also supposed to be Nagas. Following the entrance of the Aryans, these Kashmiri aborigines appear to have converted to the Vedic faith and eventually to Buddhism. The teachings of Buddhism have tremendously improved India's mentality, culture, religion, and civilization. The aim of the study is to explain the foundation and culture of Buddhism in Jammu and Kashmir.